Tempting the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch 8)

“How’d you find out?” I ask because we were so busy today I didn’t know my ass from my head. We didn’t even get a chance to go to the B&B for breakfast or lunch. Instead, we ate frozen pizzas.

“Dad told me when I went to bring him last month’s financial statements.”

I laugh because she’s been kicking their asses all summer. Hopefully, they’re done, and each got their revenge. “That’s the thing about Kaitlyn. She’s sly. She waits, then strikes when you least expect it. Don’t ever want to get on her bad side. I think her temper is worse than ours combined.”

Ivy snickers. “She’s always been really nice to me.”

“She’s nice if you’re nice. But as soon as she’s crossed, watch out.”

Hadleigh is grinning wide. “Good. I’m glad she’s giving them a run for their money. They’re always pickin’ on someone. You’d think they’d have grown out of that.”

“Are you kiddin’? They’ll never grow up,” Knox states. “I thought havin’ kids woulda helped them clean up their act. Nope.”

“It’s never a dull moment on the ranch,” I add. “At least it keeps it interesting.”

Hendrix spits up on Ivy. It drips down the rag and onto her shirt.

“Eww,” she says, making a face. “It’s running, oh man.”

Hadleigh takes Hendrix from Ivy.

“I’ll get you something to wear home. Sorry about that,” Hadleigh explains, looking at the mess on her sister’s shirt. “He’s a little piggy sometimes. Just like his daddy.”

Knox lifts a brow. “I only like to devour one thing and one thing only.”

I shake my head, but that’s nothing new around these two. After Hadleigh has Hendrix cleaned up and a new shirt for Ivy, she hands him over to me. Hendrix stares at me, and I wonder what’s in his head right now.

“I’m not your dad,” I explain softly. “I’m the cooler one out of the two.”

“You wish,” Knox says from across the room, and it has me cracking into a smile.

“Grandma reminded me about the Fourth of July party when I brought Hendrix by to visit today,” Hadleigh says from the other side of the couch.

“Each year, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Should probably just make it a town celebration at this point.” I glance over at Ivy. “You’re gonna come, aren’t ya?”

“I was thinkin’ about it,” she says.

“You better,” Hadleigh tells her. “Can’t miss it.”

“Yeah, and Dad ordered a volleyball net. So there will be way more activities for the young adults. His words, not mine,” Knox tells us.

“I’ll try to make it,” she explains. “Depends on how busy we are at the warehouse.”

“Not me about to text Harper and tell her you’re going to the party,” Hadleigh says, reaching for her phone. Ivy blushes when I meet her eyes.

Hendrix lets out a big yawn, and I smile wide.

“My nephew is the cutest,” she whispers, moving to sit right next to me. I’m mesmerized by her in ways I can’t fully explain, and the way she smells has me thinking terrible thoughts.

“Do you want to hold him some more?”

She nods, and I can’t deny her. Carefully, I hand him off, and her breath quickens when our arms brush together. My body instantly reacts to hers too, and I know it’s not just a coincidence this time.

“Thank you.” She gently cuddles Hendrix. The way her eyes twinkle when she kisses him on the cheek is adorable. One day she’ll be an amazing mother, just like her sister. Ivy’s the epitome of kindness and grace.

Knox yawns, and I know he’s tired as hell because we ran our asses off today. I stand and stretch. “Well, I should probably get goin’ so you two can get some rest.”

“Yeah, me too.” Ivy catches the hint, and hands Hendrix to Hadleigh.

I give Hadleigh a side hug and my brother a pat on the back while I wait for Ivy to say her goodbyes.

“We’ll have to do this again sometime,” I tell them with a grin, meeting Ivy’s smoldering gaze. I love the dark eyeliner she’s wearing tonight with those deep red lips. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she’s trying to catch my attention.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” she adds, blinking up at me with a smirk.

“Good night, y’all,” I walk toward the door with Ivy trailing behind me. I open it and allow her to go first, then follow her outside.

“You really should come to that party,” I say, slowing my pace, not wanting this moment to end so quickly. The moonlight splashes across the ground, lighting the path to our vehicles.

“I think I will.” She grins, and I swear she’s going to say something else. “It was really nice seeing you again.”

“You too,” I admit, tempted to grab her hand and pull her into me. There are too many unspoken words streaming between us, and it’s something I want to explore. “Don’t be a stranger, ’kay?”